Airpower summary for Jan. 28: F-16s fly successful strikes

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SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Jan. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles performed shows of force in order to deter enemy activities in Sangin. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller declared the missions were successful.

In order to deter enemy activities French Mirage-2000s performed shows of force in Sangin and Gereshk. The missions were confirmed by the JTAC.

In total, 40 close-air-support missions were flown as part of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon dropped a guided bomb unit-12 in order to destroy an enemy vehicle in Baqubah. The success of the mission was reported by the JTAC.

In Basrah, an F-16 dropped a GBU-38 in order to destroy an enemy rocket. The mission was declared a success by the JTAC.

In order to destroy house-borne improvised explosive devices in Baghdad, an F-16 dropped GBU-38s. The JTAC reported that the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions integrated and synchronized coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-four Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions as part of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Air Force and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 133 airlift sorties were flown; 493 tons of cargo were delivered, and 3,251 passengers were transported. This included approximately 9,300 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, and Japan flew as part of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Jan. 27, Air Force and RAF tanker crews flew 41 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.1 million pounds of fuel to 169 receiving aircraft.